Do We Have a Moment?

Tucson, Arizona. January 8, 2011.

The news of the attempted assassination of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the deaths of 6 innocent bystanders marks a sobering time in America. All Americans, regardless of political affiliation bear some responsibility for this tragedy.

We have tolerated and oftentimes embraced contemporary political theater as a justifiable means to an end. Saturday’s shooting marks a sad turning point in this country’s history and our collective behavior is no longer acceptable. We must demand that every politician, every media organization, family members, friends and foe move beyond the constant spate of heightened inflammatory rhetoric and debate ideological policy differences in a mutually respectful dialogue.

If anything positive is to come from one insane act, this is the only path forward.